icon
article-hero

First-Timer's Guide To Brunei: 5 Amazing Things You Have To Do (And Useful Tips!)

avatar-name

Faruq Senin •  Nov 28, 2019

Brunei has always been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. My interest in the country was piqued when I met two Bruneian friends during my exchange programme in the US. I’ve always wondered why it’s not on many of my friends’ travel list even though it’s only less than 2 hours by flight from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur! So naturally, when I found out that I was heading to Brunei on Royal Brunei Airlines, I was super thrilled as I could finally experience this country which is known for its yummy and affordable food, stunning nature and friendly people! If you’re wondering what this incredible gem has to offer, here are the top 5 things to do in Brunei ?

Credit: giphy

Getting there: Flying with Royal Brunei Airlines

If you’d like to be greeted with Bruneian hospitality before even stepping into Brunei, I recommend flying with Royal Brunei Airlines. Although the flight time from Singapore or KL to Brunei is only about 2 hours, it’s a full-service flight with in-flight entertainment (IFE) and a meal. The flight was on an A320neo which might have limited space - thankfully, you can choose and reserve your preferred seat from just SGD20.80 to ensure your comfort ?

P.S. Royal Brunei Airlines flies twice daily from Singapore and KL to Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Book your flight from Singapore to Brunei on Royal Brunei Airlines now and enjoy all-in fares from SGD359 (valid from now till 1 Dec 2019 for travel period till 31 Mar 2020).

My trip to Brunei was part of a longer trip I took from Singapore to Tokyo. On my way to Tokyo on Royal Brunei Airlines, I had a short and seamless connection at Brunei Airport. Thanks to Royal Brunei’s free stopover in Brunei for connecting flights, I could explore Brunei for 2.5 days after my Tokyo trip! (check out our Tokyo article to find out more about my trip!)

One free stopover is available for either your outbound or inbound journey, so you can learn a little bit about Brunei before continuing your trip ? If you love Brunei so much that you want to come back, an additional stopover is chargeable at just SGD200 (cheaper than a flight)!

What’s amazing about Royal Brunei is that all its meals are halal-certified, with no alcohol served (do note that guests can still bring alcohol onboard if they want to). I definitely enjoyed being able to choose my meals and took the option of fried bee hoon with chicken in BBQ sauce. The noodles were very flavourful and the chicken was super tender! Though it was a small serving, I thought this was pretty sufficient for the 2-hour flight from Singapore to Brunei.

For longer flights, meals will be served with warm bread, salad and dessert. I even got to enjoy Japanese cuisine for my flight from Tokyo to Brunei (find out more about this in our Tokyo article!)

#HHWT Tip: If you’re looking forward to snap a photo of Mount Fuji and other landmarks as you approach Narita Airport, make sure to select and reserve your own seat for just SGD27.20! Weather conditions may vary, but at least you’ll be primed for the perfect shot if you happen to get a clear day ?

There were also plenty of options on Royal Brunei’s in-flight entertainment system. From blockbusters like The Avengers to kid-friendly selections like the Toy Story series and Aladdin, I was kept occupied throughout my flight ? Not to mention that the IFE is equipped with qibla compass which makes it super convenient to do your prayers and an Al-Quran app. Before take-off, a travel do’a (prayer) will also be played. Plus, if you’re flying on Royal Brunei’s 787 Dreamliner, you can request for a prayer mat too!

The Royal Brunei crew was also really friendly, always willing to help and some of them even gave me recommendations on where I should visit in Brunei. With a warm welcome to Brunei on the flight, I was ready to explore!

1. Try unique Bruneian cuisine and other yummy food

Brunei is perfect for Muslim travellers because EVERYTHING in Brunei is halal unless otherwise stated. For non-halal eateries, there will be a sign stating that it’s “not for Muslims”. (Do note that there is still a halal certification body in Brunei)

You might tend to associate Bruneian cuisine with Malay or Indonesian food but trust me, Bruneian cuisine is unique in its own way. With food being such an integral part of Brunei, trying local cuisine is a must!

a) Ambuyat at Aminah Arif

Ask any Bruneian and they’d tell you that a local delicacy you must try is ambuyat and Aminah Arif Restaurant is famous for it. Known to many as the national dish of Brunei, ambuyat looks like a glue paste. It’s made from the trunk of a sago palm and mixed with hot water until its texture becomes gooey.

The Bruneians have a very special connection with ambuyat as it was their only source of survival (it’s a form of carbohydrate) during the war. They used to sit on the floor and eat it in the kampung (village) but these days, the locals would eat ambuyat at weekly gatherings with loved ones or to celebrate something. There’s an unspoken rule in Brunei that you need to “respect” ambuyat and you can’t talk bad about it simply because it helped them survive the war.

This is what ambuyat looks like! According to the locals, not everyone can “tumpah ambuyat” (make ambuyat) and it’s hard to get the right texture and consistency. To eat ambuyat, I had to use a candas (it looks like chopsticks but it’s joined at the top) and twirl it till it became bite-sized.

Then, I dipped it in a sambal (chilli paste) called “cacah” which is made from binjai (a mango-like fruit) and mixed with tempoyak (fermented durian). I’m not usually a fan of sambal but I knew I had to give this one a try. Little did I know that ambuyat would take me by surprise! The gooeyness was unlike anything I’ve tasted before - the ambuyat had a unique texture but taste-wise, it was quite bland and the cacah definitely added some flavour.

Fun fact: Later I learnt that there are 2 opinions on how you should eat ambuyat; some think you should swallow it straight while others prefer to chew it. I picked the latter ? Truth be told, I’d say that ambuyat is an acquired taste and later on, I found myself eating it non-stop!

Ambuyat is typically served with Bruneian dishes on the side. It reminded me of how I’d eat traditional Malay or Indonesian cuisine back home but one thing I learnt is that if a restaurant serves both rice and ambuyat, Bruneians would always pick ambuyat over rice.

Luckily, I was hosted by several Brunei bloggers and they helped me pick the yummiest dishes! We had a mix of meat, seafood and vegetables and I really enjoyed the meat dishes like lalap (beef jerky), belutak (cow’s innards), hati buyah (cow’s liver, more commonly known as paru) and daging urat tumis (stir-fried meat veins). Yes, there was a lot of meat but they were so delicious or as the Bruneians would say, it’s “nyaman”?

Halal status: Halal-certified

Average price of main dishes: BND6

Opening hours, Address, Contact:Check out their website for their outlets.

Website

b) Nasi Katok, a Bruneian staple

If Malaysia has “nasi lemak”, then Brunei has “nasi katok”! A simple dish of just steamed rice, chicken and sambal, this dish is a Bruneians’ staple and it’s usually sold at a super cheap price of BND1 ? Did you know that nasi katok means “rice and knock”? That’s because in the old days if you’re hungry at night, you could knock on the door of a stall owner and he’d prepare this simple dish for you.

Though it started out with just sambal and fried chicken, a lot of stalls nowadays put their own spin on it, such as SDK Signature Foods where I tried nasi katok buttermilk! The chicken was coated in buttermilk batter with sweet sauce. It was simple yet satisfying ?

If you ask the locals where you can find the best nasi katok, they would be divided on this but some other recommendations I got were Nasi Katok Mama and Nasi Katok Lily. SDK probably has the most variety as you can choose from other options like BBQ chicken, honey chicken, chicken skin, prawns, beef and more - all for just BND1! I just wished I had more time to try all the other nasi katok places ?

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Average price of main dishes: BND1

Opening hours, Address and Contact:Check out their Instagram page for their outlets

Instagram

P.S. Still not convinced to visit Brunei? We've got 8 reasons why you should!

c) Street food at Gadong Night Market

You can’t say you’ve been to Brunei without visiting Gadong Night Market! It’s probably one of the best places to experience a slice of local life.

Once an open-air market, the stalls at Gadong Night Market are now housed in a complex but it’s still a bustling atmosphere. The minute you enter the market, you’ll immediately be enticed by the smell of grilled meat!

The skewered meats are the star of Gadong and one delicacy you must try is tungking (chicken tail). The idea of eating chicken tail might seem weird at first but once I tasted it, I wanted more ? The meat was fatty and well-marinated and it was crunchy because of the soft bone. I tried the one from Jainnayy Barbeque which had other grilled items too. The grilled Hati Buyah (cow liver) was really yummy as well!

Still can’t get enough of grilled meat? Then you have to try some satay kambing (lamb satay). I was immediately drawn to the stall vendors grilling the meat as the smell was so appetising! This lamb satay was exceptional - the meat was so juicy and melted right in my mouth.

Don’t miss out on other traditional treats too like Kuih Malaya, Brunei’s version of apam balik (pancake) which has peanuts and raisins, and of course, nasi katok for just BND1. The good thing is there are tables where you can sit and have your meal so just make sure you come with an empty stomach!

Halal status: All stalls are Muslim-owned

Average price of food: BND1

Opening hours: Open daily; 4PM-10PM

Address: Simpang 37, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

d) Roti Kacang Kahwin at Jing Chew

If you love kaya (coconut jam) and toast, wait till you’ve tried Brunei’s spin on this breakfast dish! This roti kacang kahwin from Jing Chew Restaurant (literally translates to “bread marry peanut”) doesn’t just have a generous spread of kaya and cold butter sandwiched between hot toasted buns, but also caramelised peanuts!

Would you just look at how well the ingredients “marry” each other and that oozing butter? As if kaya toast isn’t good enough, the peanuts were a mouthwatering addition and I can never see kaya toast the same way again ? As a favourite teatime spot for Bruneians, Jing Chew also sells normal kaya toast with a variety of different kinds of bread and other noodle dishes like Seama Kueh Teow (flat rice noodles), Kolomee Ayam (Sarawak-style noodles with chicken) and more.

Halal status: Halal-certified

Average price of main dishes: BND2

Opening hours: Mon-Thur, Sat; 5.30AM-6.15PM, Fri; 5.30AM-12PM, 2.15PM-6.15PM, Sun; 5.30AM-12PM (the best time to visit is 3PM-3.30PM as that’s when they toast their hot buns)

Address: Simpang 5, No. 10, Jalan Gadong, 1/2km, Bandar Seri Begawan BE4119, Brunei

Contact: +673 242 4132

P.S. Looking for more getaways? We've got 7 epic destinations in Southeast Asia you'd love!

2. Be awed by Brunei’s magnificent mosques

As a Muslim-majority country, it’s no surprise that Brunei has some of the most beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia. Here are some must-visit mosques:

a) Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Easily the most recognisable landmark of Brunei, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque was named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei (late father of the current Sultan) and its stunning architecture makes it a truly remarkable sight ? Its gorgeous domes were plated with real gold leaf!

The mosque beautifully sits on its own artificial lagoon and is accompanied by a replica of a 16-century royal barge called “mahligai”. Step into the interior of the mosque and you’ll be greeted with floors and walls made from Italian marble, chandeliers crafted in England and impressive carpets from Saudi Arabia ?

#HHWT Tip: The best time to capture the mosque is on a clear day when there’s plenty of sunlight and the water isn’t moving so you can get that perfect shot with a reflection of the mosque.

Called “Masjid SOAS” (short for Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien) by the locals, the mosque’s 52-metre minaret is the tallest structure in Brunei. You can even go up an elevator to the top of the minaret to catch a panoramic view of Bandar Seri Begawan!

Address: Jalan McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8711, Brunei

b) Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

The Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is another mosque you cannot miss in Brunei! It’s the largest mosque in Brunei and can accommodate more than 5000 worshippers.

Built during the 25th year reign of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the mosque boasts 29 golden domes which represent the 29 sultans that have ruled Brunei since the start of the sultanate in the 14th century! The mosque’s Middle Eastern architecture makes for an IG-worthy backdrop ?

#HHWT Tip: While the interior is super impressive too, do note that you can’t take any photos inside the prayer hall.

Address: Simpang 127, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

#HHWT Tip:Book your flight from Singapore to Brunei on Royal Brunei Airlines now and enjoy all-in fares from SGD359 (valid from now till 1 Dec 2019 for travel period till 31 Mar 2020).

3. Visit the “Venice of the East”

One of the most fascinating spots in Brunei is none other than the Kampong Ayer (water village) which is a settlement of houses built on stilts on the Brunei River. I’ve read a lot of stories and watched videos about Kampong Ayer so I was excited that I finally got the chance to visit it ?

The village has been around for centuries and used to have a population of around 30,000. Today, only about 10,000 still live in Kampong Ayer and it’s mostly the older generation. With an amazing network of bridges connecting different villages, it’s no wonder that it’s been called the “Venice of the East”!

The history of the Kampong Ayer is pretty interesting too - it was where the Brunei Sultanate started back in the 14th-century as the first Sultan stayed here first. Having a city on water meant that it was easy to trade and navigate and water is also a good source for survival. Can you believe that there are mosques, clinics, schools, police and fire stations in Kampong Ayer today?

My guide brought me to a house managed by the tour company and the layout looks exactly like most houses that the locals live in. Although I would love to have met some locals, it was still a pretty eye-opening experience to know how sturdy these houses are! I was also in awe when my guide told me that most houses have air-con and cable TV too.

Getting to Kampong Ayer is easy. All you have to do is to head to the Waterfront (in front of Yayasan building), wave to one of the boatmen and they will come to you! The fare is around BND0.50-1 and my guide told me that they operate 24 hours too.

4. Experience untouched nature at Ulu Temburong National Park

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Then Ulu Temburong National Park is perfect for you! With 80 per cent of Brunei covered in lush rainforest, the 50,000-hectare park is well worth a visit for a slice of nature.

#HHWT Tip: You’ll need a guide to explore Ulu Temburong National Park. I went on the half-day tour with Ulu-Ulu Resort (BND163 per person inclusive of transport, meals and activities).

Getting to Ulu Temburong

For the uninitiated, Brunei is split into 2 parts by the Malaysian state of Sarawak and Ulu Temburong National Park is located in the Temburong district. It takes around 2.5-3 hours to get there from Bandar Seri Begawan and you’ll have to pass through Malaysia too!

My journey started off with a speedboat (45min-1h) from the Temburong Boat Jetty near Kampong Ayer to the town of Bangar. This speedboat is actually a form of public transport used by locals (mostly government officials) to get to Temburong.

Once in Bangar, I was driven to the town of Batang Duri (25min) where I had to take a ‘temuai’ (a traditional longboat used by the indigenous Iban people) for another 30-45min before reaching Ulu-Ulu Resort.

#HHWT Tip: Do wear waterproof shoes or a good pair of sandals as your feet might get wet during the ‘temuai’ ride.

Canopy Walk

The main highlight of Ulu Temburong is the Canopy Walk - the trail is around 400 metres and you’d have to climb around 800 steps and then go up an observation deck to get a stunning bird’s eye view of the forest.

It was really therapeutic to be one with nature and experience what it’s like to be in a dense rainforest which is full of biodiversity!

#HHWT Tip: If you’re visiting, make sure you wear comfortable shoes and wear light clothing as it can get really hot and humid.

To get to the view, I had to climb this 43-metre tall observation tower. There are 5 of these towers and they are connected by a bridge at the top. Only 5 people are allowed on the tower and 2 people on the bridge at any one time (a park ranger is present on-site).

Once I reached the top, I was greeted with this lovely panoramic view of Ulu Temburong ? It was really worth the climb and the air was really refreshing! My guide told me that the view is even more impressive during sunrise or sunset (you’d have to stay overnight at Ulu-Ulu Resort for this).

#HHWT Tip: Some of the observation towers are higher than the bridge so you can get drone-like photographs of yourself by asking your friend (or guide ?) to climb up the tower and snap a photo of you from the top of the tower. My guide helped me take the awesome photo above!

Lunch at Ulu-Ulu Resort

As part of the tour, I was treated to a scrumptious lunch after the Canopy Walk. Some of the dishes included stir-fried pumpkins which are organically grown at the resort as well as stir-fried black pepper chicken (the chicken is farmed in Temburong too). There were also refreshments before the Canopy Walk which consisted of local snacks and drinks.

Staying at Ulu-Ulu Resort

If you’d like to spend a more leisurely time surrounded by nature, then it’s recommended to opt for the 2D1N package at Ulu-Ulu Resort (around BND330) where you can stay a night at the resort!

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or a large group of friends, the resort’s got you covered from deluxe to family rooms. The best part is, all packages include transport (to and from Bandar Seri Begawan), meals and activities ☺️

Find out more about Ulu-Ulu Resort’s tours and packages here.

5. Learn about Bruneian culture and history

One of the things that clearly defines Brunei and its people is its concept of Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay Muslim Monarchy) and for a country with a small population of around 400 thousand people, the close relationship between the Sultan and his people is very evident. Learning more about Bruneian culture and history will help you to understand this better ?

a) Royal Regalia Museum

The Royal Regalia Museum is a good place to start learning about Brunei’s history, particularly about the royal family. While the museum primarily showcases all the items used during the Sultan’s coronation, Silver and Golden Jubilee celebrations, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

The main highlight of the museum is this usungan diraja (royal chariot) which was used for the Sultan’s coronation in 1968. I was really fascinated by the size of the chariot and intricate designs of the ornaments on it. Unlike traditional chariots where you’d have to carry them, this one has wheels and my guide told me that 48 soldiers had pushed the chariot during the Sultan’s coronation ceremony.

Together with the royal chariot, there were other decorative items on display, including these umbrellas. I found the Payung Kawan (red and yellow umbrella) very interesting as it represents the relationship of the Sultan with his people. According to my guide, it means that “without the Sultan, the country is in disarray but without its people, the Sultanate has no significance”.

The Royal Regalia Museum also houses an exhibit about the origins of the Brunei Sultanate as well as a peek into the Sultan’s life but unfortunately, cameras are not allowed in the exhibit. As a history buff, I was ready to know more about Brunei’s history and I enjoyed learning about how the Brunei Sultanate expanded as far as the Philippines during the reign of Sultan Bolkiah in the 15th century.

I also learnt that Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the father of the current Sultan, had abdicated the throne and that many of the items used in the Royal Regalia Museum were designed by the late Sultan himself. He is also known as the “architect of modern Brunei” as many buildings in Brunei have been influenced by his designs as well, including Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque!

Admission fee: Free

Opening hours: Sat-Thu; 9AM-5PM, Fri; 9AM-11.30AM, 2.30PM-5PM

Address: Jln Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8611, Brunei

b) Tamu Kianggeh

Once you’ve visited the Royal Regalia Museum, head down to Tamu Kianggeh (Kianggeh market) to experience life in a local morning market. The original site of the market used to be at Kampong Ayer and it has been a huge part of Brunei’s history and identity. The idea of the market actually reflects life in Brunei since the 15-16th centuries where people relied a lot on maritime trade in the Brunei River, which was also seen as a source of life.

You can find a variety of items at the market from fresh vegetables and fruits to fish, local snacks, handicraft and more!

I learnt a thing or two about items from the jungle like how the langir sintuk (left, the trunk of a type of tree) is used for ritual bathing due to its soap-like qualities, or how a jungle fruit like the jalayan (right) is used in Bruneian cooking. I tried the jalayan and it was super sour ?

#HHWT Tip: Make sure you bring home some local snacks from Tamu Kianggeh like kuih cincin, a treat which looks like a combination of rings and made from gula anau (sugar from the nipah tree). Other snacks to look out for are kuripit (white and round with coconut and sago) and kuih ardam (brown with flour and sugar). Just ask the stall vendors if you’re unsure; they are super friendly ?

Opening hours: Open daily; 8AM-5.30PM

Address: Jln Sungai Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8111, Brunei

#HHWT Tip:Book your flight from Singapore to Brunei on Royal Brunei Airlines now and enjoy all-in fares from SGD359 (valid from now till 1 Dec 2019 for travel period till 31 Mar 2020).

Essential tips before visiting Brunei:

Getting around Brunei:

This is probably the number one concern for most travellers. As everyone in Brunei owns a car and Brunei only has a population of 400 thousand people, public transportation is not well-established but here are some options to get around!

a) Guided tour or car rental

Me and Faiz, one of my guides from Sunshine Borneo Tours

Most locals I spoke to recommended a guided tour if it’s your first time in Brunei. I went on a tour with Sunshine Borneo Tours and it was fuss-free. The guides were very knowledgeable too. You can check them out here!

Alternatively, you can check out one of these exciting tour packages (pictured above) from Royal Brunei Holidays (from SGD470 all-in). If you'd like to experience this, do note that all flight bookings have to be booked via email at [email protected] or you can call Royal Brunei Airlines at 65-6235 4672.

Otherwise, if you want to plan your own Brunei adventure, you can also rent a car from either Avis or Hertz at Brunei International Airport (from around BND75 per day).

b) Taxis or DART

Another way to get around Brunei is by riding a metred taxi (starts from BND3.50) but the downside is that they are only available at the airport, hotels and shopping malls.

Otherwise, you can also use a transport app called DART, which is something like Grab or Uber, both of which are unavailable in Brunei. Download the app on Apple and Google Play store.

c) Public buses

Credit: Marlina Liem Solli on Facebook

There are public buses in Brunei but they don’t run very frequently and fares are very cheap - at around BND1. However, there is not much information online regarding the bus schedules. The main bus terminal in Bandar Seri Begawan is located at Jalan Cator. Check out the bus route map here.

Where to stay in Brunei:

a) The Empire Brunei

For my trip, I stayed at The Empire Brunei and the rooms were spacious and comfortable! What’s awesome about it is that it’s located away from Bandar Seri Begawan in the Jerudong district, and thanks to its location near the beach, it felt like I was staying at a resort. With great amenities like an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, halal breakfast, a cinema and more, it’s perfect for families!

Rate: Starts from BND297 on Agoda

Address: Jerudong Negara BG 3122, Jerudong, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

Contact: +673 241 8888

Website | Facebook | Instagram

b) Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam

Rate: Starts from BND165 on Agoda

Address: Po Box 2203, Jalan Tasek, Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, BS8674

Contact: +673 224 4272

Website | Facebook | Instagram

c) Rizqun International Hotel

Rate: Starts from BND142 on Agoda

Address: Abdul Razak Complex,Gadong, Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

Contact: +673 242 3000

Website | Facebook

d) Kunyit 7 Lodge (Kampong Ayer)

Rate: Starts from BND80 on Agoda

Address: 129B -1,Jetty 2, Kampong Bakut Berumput Mukim.Peramu, Kota Batu, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, BS8611

Contact: +673 871 3714

Facebook | Instagram

#HHWT Tip: If you'd like an all-in-one package including flights, accommodation and even a half-day city tour, check out one of these amazing deals for a 3D2N stay in Brunei (pictured above). Do note that all flight bookings have to be booked via email at [email protected] or you can call Royal Brunei Airlines at 65-6235 4672.

Staying connected in Brunei

To stay connected in Brunei, you can get a SIM card from any of the 2 network providers - Progresif or DST. I got mine for BND25 and the plan included unlimited data for a week. If you’d like a cheaper option, you can get 1GB data for BND10. DST has different price plans - BND15 (400MB data for 6 days), BND20 (1GB data for 1 month), BND30 (3GB data for 1 month).

Flying home on Royal Brunei Airlines

Sky Lounge and Business Class Lounge

If you’re flying home on Royal Brunei Airlines and looking for a place to relax and unwind before your flight, why not head over to the Sky Lounge at Brunei Airport?

P.S. If you’re a Business Class guest, you can head straight to the Business Class Lounge.

With comfortable seating areas, prayer and ablution facilities, a fine dining buffet, a mini cinema, games arcade, shower facilities and free internet access, you can wait for your flight in style and comfort.

Travelling with kids? There’s even a kids’ play area where your kids can have some fun while you have peace of mind. You can book your Sky Lounge access (BND45) when booking your flights or by managing your booking. Otherwise, you can walk in to the lounge for BND55.

Flight from Brunei to Singapore (BI423)

For my flight back to Singapore, I flew on BI423 which left Brunei at 6.30pm and reached Singapore at 8.30pm. The flight timing was good as I still had the whole morning and afternoon to do some sightseeing before heading back to Singapore (there’s also an earlier flight at 9.15am!) I was excited for my in-flight meal and had beef kalio with rice (Padang-style beef curry). Even though it was slightly salty, the beef was tender and I really enjoyed the warm bread ?

Although I only spent a short 2.5 days in Brunei, I managed to experience the best of what the country has to offer, especially its cheap and delicious food! During my trip, I also felt the warmth of the Bruneians - I could easily strike up a conversation with anyone and they were so willing to help me ? Plus, Brunei’s amazing attractions really fascinated me and I can’t wait to return to Brunei to explore more! With Royal Brunei Airlines’ impeccable service and direct flights to Brunei from Singapore or KL, you’re one step closer to having the best time ever in Brunei.

P.S. Book your flight from Singapore to Brunei on Royal Brunei Airlines now and enjoy all-in fares from SGD359 (valid from now till 1 Dec 2019 for travel period till 31 Mar 2020).

This article is brought to you by Royal Brunei Airlines.